Honors Physical Science is a year long course that explores

In many science classes passive learning is the rule: the teacher lectures while the individual student sits quietly at their desk taking notes (or, in some cases, pretending to). In this situation there is little direct involvement by the student.

We use Computer Assisted Learning developed by Douglas Gilliland in the Physical Science classes at SHS. This approach reverses the typical method of teaching and more actively engages the student in the learning process.

Here is how CAL works: Students are placed in groups of 3 and assigned to a computer where they utilize programs from the Physical Science Series. While students are working on the computer they complete a program sheet that directs them to the pertinent concepts covered in the program. The students are given sample problems that they solve as a group - each helping the other learn as they progress through the program. At various points the group is required to present their solutions and obtain a teacher stamp. This way the group's progress can be monitored by the teacher and questions can be resolved before the students continue in the program.

The Physical Science Series software is a collection of over 50 Chemistry and Physics programs consisting of tutorials, lab simulations, science tool-kits, and quizzes that cover the course units .

Computer Assisted Learning using The Physical Science Series:

* Engages the student in interactive and entertaining learning.

* Encourges cooperative work in which students help each other learn.

* Provides instant scoring of questions and display of correct answers.

* Provides the opportunity for students to pursue remedial work on an individual basis on their own time. (Helpful in instances where they have been absent or do not fully understand the material.)

* Gives the teacher time to rotate among groups to provide individual attention.

* Provides internet access to conduct further studies.

Physical Science is a full year course covering the fundamentals of chemistry (the study of matter and its make-up) and physics (the study of the relationship between matter and energy). Physical Science is a required course for graduation at SHS.

Students are required to bring the following items to class on a daily basis: 2" binder notebook (with paper, pencil & pen and returned assignments), scientific calculator, metric ruler, graph paper and their SHS assignment/planning book. Scientific calculators can be purchased for under $10 - graphing calculators are not required and will not be allowed to be used during exams. Since all reading assignments are done outside of class, textbooks will be kept at home.

If you can calculate the molarity of a solution, write a balanced equation for a chemical reaction, determine the products in alpha and beta nuclear decay, use significant figures and dimensional analysis and state the contributions of J.J. Thomson, Ernest Rutherford, Henry Mosely and Enrico Fermi then perhaps they don't need to take this course. Honors Physical Science prepares a student for high school Chemistry and Physics. Middle school physical science does not accomplish this task.

Honors Physical Science is designed for freshmen who:

1. Obtained a "B" or better average in their 8th grade science class

2. Are presently taking (or have successfully completed) Algebra I

3. Will be taking chemistry and/or physics classes in their junior/senior year.

4. Are college bound

1. Labs - The best way to learn is by doing, and in science that means doing labs. During the year students will perform more that twenty labs, some involving two or more days to complete.

2. Using Technology - The classroom is equipped with 13 Macintosh computers that the students will use for running science programs, taking computer based quizzes and for internet research. Mr. Stuart utilizes a laser disc player, video camera, and Power book/TV projection for presentations to the class.

3. Cooperative Learning- Over 50% of class time will be spent in small groups (3 students per computer) working on teacher -authored tutorials, lab simulations and quizzes.These interactive multimedia programs replace the standard teacher lecture. As students progress through these tutorials they complete a program sheet that directs them to record the important information contained in the unit. It also provides them with sample problems to solve.

To be successful a student must:

1. Be organized

2. Give 100% to each assignment

3. Be alert and observant in the classroom

4.Seek help as soon as they encounter a problem

5. Come to class on a regular basis

6. Behave in a respectful manner.

Grades will be derived from a variety of sources:

1. Exams (100 - 150 points). An exam will be given after each chapter.

2. Laboratory Experiments ( 20 - 50 points) Both individual and group grades will be given.

3. Quizzes (20 - 40 points).

4. Computer Programs (20 - 30 points) Both individual and group grades will be given.

5. Notebook (40 points)

6. Reading assignments ( 20 - 40points)

7. Obtain parent/guardian signatures on each Progress Report (10 points)

Quarter grades are determined by dividing the total points a student earned by the total points possible then multiplying that number by 100 to give a percent.

Grades will be posted weekly in the classroom by ID number - usually on Fridays. Progress reports will be sent home every 3 weeks.

The HPS laboratory is open during the following times:

After School: Monday-Friday from 1:45 - 3:00 PM unless otherwise posted in the upper right corner of the board.

Individual tutoring is available for free in the library after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Yes. There are two GPA's on a report card: a weighted and an unweighted. The weighted average includes a point added to each Honor course grade. For example, a student who makes a "B" in an Honors class will have 4 points instead of 3 points used in calculating the weighted GPA.

That depends on the day. While there is homework almost every day, the majority of the time it will be a reading assignment and chapter outline (as all reading is done outside of class - students should leave their textbook at home). Other homework will involve worksheets, lab write-ups, studying for exams... on the average half an hour a night would be a good estimate.

Most of what will be needed is covered in Algebra I. Mathematical concepts used in the class will be reviewed by Mr. Stuart before the student is expect to apply them.

All types. Cooperative learning, where students will work together solving problems in the lab and on the computer, will be intergrated with instructor lectures and demonstrations. Individual grades will be given for exams and homework while computer based programs will involve group grades. Most labs will be graded individually but some will involve one grade for the entire lab group.

The lab fee is used to help purchase laboratory equipment, chemicals, and computer hardware and software for use in the Honors Physical Science classroom at SHS.

If you have any other questions concerning the Honors Physical Science program at SHS please feel free to call and discuss them with Mr. Stuart (SHS phone: 941-955-0181-ext-64581) or contact him at Michael_Stuart@SRQIT.Sarasota.K12.FL.US